A Dallas Independent School District elementary school teacher is in jail, accused of continuous sexual abuse of a young child, according to Dallas police.
Kramer Elementary School teacher Jorge Ruiz, 53, is in the Lew Sterrett Jail with bail set at $100,000.
Police said the victim was a 7-year-old female student of Ruiz's when the incident occurred about eight years ago.
It was reported to Dallas police on Oct. 3, according to Dallas Police Deputy Chief Christina Smith.
After investigating, Dallas police and the North Texas Fugitive Task arrested Ruiz at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Smith said that through interviews and investigation, a second victim came forward. Ruiz has additionally been charged with indecency with a child in that case.
The arrest shocked the community surrounding Kramer Elementary, especially given Ruiz's reputation. Several parents spoke highly of the teacher, applauding him for his responsiveness and classroom enthusiasm.
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Bruce Kaye's daughters attended Kramer Elementary, and he said all of his encounters with Ruiz were polite and friendly, even though he did not teach Kaye's children.
"He was someone you saw in the hall, always had a smile, seemed like a nice guy," Kaye said. "We passed in the hallway and said 'hello' a number of times."
Like many parents Kaye wants the school district and law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the allegations, but regardless of what happens he hopes it won't reflect poorly on the work being done at Kramer Elementary.
"It's kind of surreal because nobody expects it at a school as decorated as this school," Kaye said. "It's just a terrible thing that happened at a great school."
School administrators will speak with the parents of students currently and previously enrolled Ruiz's class during a series of meetings Thursday.
Police are currently interviewing several other potential victims.
Dallas police ask anyone with more information on Ruiz or any other victims to contact Detective Mayfield at 214-275-1300.
According to Dallas ISD, Ruiz taught pre-kindergarten.
The district released the following statement:
"This is a very serious matter. While we are unable to comment on this personnel issue involving a teacher, we can share that the individual has been placed on administrative leave. We will continue to cooperate with authorities, and remain committed to providing a safe instructional environment for our students each day."
